Budget SpeechSikkim Legislative Assembly

July 27, 2009

Hon’ble Speaker, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker and Hon’ble Members of this August Assembly

Seldom does Providence and the power of the people bestow such a unique privilege to preside over the future of the people with continuity of this extent. Seldom do we get such a prideful place on earth to create history and preserve it, as it were, reshaping the future of the State in greater measure and with vigorous commitment. Hon’ble Speaker Sir, when the Sikkim Democratic Front party first took the reign of governance on December 12, 1994, there were many skeptics anxious and willing to doubt our capacity to deliver and question the efficacy of our programs. Now I say, if there is anyone left who still doubt that the people of Sikkim are capable of wise and informed decision; who still doubt our capacity to secure the future of the Sikkimese people- THIS DAY IS YOUR ANSWER.

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, may I take this opportunity to record highest sense of my gratitude and thanks to:

(a)the People of Sikkim for their continued support, faith and blessing to me and my party;

(b)to my fellow colleagues, party workers and friends in the Party at all levels for their unflinching faith on my leadership;

(c)to the Chief Election Commissioner and his colleagues at the Centre for successfully holding free and fair elections in the Country;

(d)to the Chief Election Officer and his able team in Sikkim for upholding the sanctity of this democratic process and ensure free and fair elections in the State;

(e)to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police for their overall guidance and supervision to conclude the poll process successfully in the State;

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(f) to all officials and employees of the State and Central Government for working day and night together for successful conduct of elections and for exercising their voting rights without fear or apprehension;

(g) to all the respected Leaders and workers of the Opposition Parties for joining hands with the State Government to make this Elections as the most peaceful Election in history; and

(h)to the esteemed Members of media fraternity for disseminating the policies and programs of respective political parties across the State and educate the voters to exercise their franchise.

Hon’ble Speaker SirThe confidence that has been reposed upon our Party is clearly indicative of the people’s endorsement of the transparent, democratic and judicious road map that we have presented to this august House in the preceding budget presentations. The overwhelming mandate that our party received from all sections of our civil society provides us the much needed motivation and stimulus to work harder to accelerate the pace of our Government’s performance towards accomplishment of the vision that have been elaborately articulated in our Party’s Manifesto. I call upon my colleagues in this Legislature while also welcoming you all in your new assignments, to honour and respect the commitments that have been reflected in our party’s Manifesto and actively strive to fulfill the goals and objectives that have been charted out for the fourth term of our Government towards attaining all-round development and overall well-being of our citizens.

As I stand again to dedicate this budget for the fiscal year 2009-2010 to every Sikkimese, let me reiterate my firm commitment once again to stand firm on my feet and withstand the worst of intimidation and the best of enticement to distract me from my avowed path to serve the interest of common people and never betray the faith and confidence of the people of Sikkim and my great Country, India. I call upon all my fellow Legislators to internalize the values of self-reliance and self-improvement, the values of drive, discipline and hard work and the values of thrift and personal responsibility. The reason is simple- that the people of Sikkim have judged us capable enough to shoulder the

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great task of State and Nation building for the fourth consecutive term. Therefore, our effort must be one that is out of box and our approach above commonplace.

Fifteen years- the past well invested:Hon’ble Speaker SirAs we enter into the fourth term of government in the State, I am deeply tempted to reflect on and highlight the commonplace expressions with larger emphasis. As politics is the mother of all philosophies, how a society progresses or declines depends largely on the way politics is played out in a particular region and State and at particular point of time. The people of Sikkim, especially the older generation, have witnessed how Sikkim has come out of the ancient fold to emerge as one of the most progressive States of the Country. Having joined the largest democratic Country of the world, Sikkim, you know, is one of the youngest democracies within the Indian Union. And naturally the first few years of merger saw Sikkim slowly adjusting to the nuances of democratic process and the people surely finding an environment to enjoy their democratic right to live with freedom and dignity.

However, as we gained in maturity and democratic experience, Sikkim encountered a set of political leadership who sought to govern the people with iron hand in velvet gloves, as they say. The democratic injunction to do immense good for the people slowly gave rise to autocratic tendency to discourage commonsense understanding and stifle dissent provided under the democratic system. What happened ultimately was steady degradation of Democracy that resembled more like Oligarchy. They began to view the power and perks that come with their position as the consciously guarded prerogatives to rule the people ruthlessly by engaging whatever means possible or available with them at that point of time. And the Sikkim Democratic Front party was the offshoot of the suffocation felt within the political atmosphere prevailing then and the common wishes of people to revert back to democratic environment at once.

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Hon’ble Speaker SirAs we went on to mend the punctured self-esteem of the people and tend the injuries so inflicted, we have already covered fifteen years of our journey giving voice to the voiceless, food to the hungry and shelter to the homeless, land to the landless, opportunity for all, education for all, health for all, human dignity to all, social justice and rule of law for all, peace, security and clean environment for all above all empowering the disempowered. May I have the permission to briefly present the overall scenario of how we progressed, step by step, to make our society progressive, every household more resourceful and every person more passionate and more creative.

Democracy re-discovered:As we have often laid our claim to restoring democracy in Sikkim, today I want to say again that our claim is truly vindicated by the way people have enjoyed their freedom and rights as guaranteed under the Constitution. The acceptance level and popularity among the people of Sikkim enjoyed by the Sikkim Democratic Front party is historical. You are aware that we formed the Government in 1994 winning 19 Assembly seats out of 32. And in every successive Assembly elections of 1999 and 2004, our success graph went upward to south culminating in the complete mandate in this recently concluded elections. This is the best example of democracy empowering our people to take conscious decision in the interest of the State and the Country.

Refinement in political discourseThe one vital change we witness in the socio-political atmosphere today, and which we are not conscious of always, is the refinement evident in all political discourses. This ranges from casual political talks to high political rhetoric delivered from the political platform. The languages used and the meaning inferred have undergone distinct change from uncivilized to the civilized, from barbaric to the humane. I have consciously tried to uphold the dignity of an individual which is reflected in the way I speak and interact with people. This has lent a positive vibes in the socio-cultural context to live with mutual respect and understanding.

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Building of political capitalThe people of Sikkim have gained immensely out of their correct decision to convey their faith and confidence on single leadership under the umbrella of the Sikkim Democratic Front party. During the last fifteen years, they have remained consistent in the way they have exercised their franchise right from the grass root body to electing their representative to the Indian Parliament. What has happened, as a result, is that the central leadership across party lines have clearly noticed us running the most stable government in Sikkim for the last fifteen years. Our credential as the practitioner of democracy is firmly established at the Centre which has helped us build political capital at the national level in the most sincere manner. The people of Sikkim are witness to the fulfillment of number of demands which were earlier argued against on various grounds. You are aware that we have many major projects on the pipeline. The Central Government has given their full support to complete all the projects and is highly appreciative of our performance.

Defining our priorities Hon’ble Speaker Sir, the people of Sikkim are well aware that we joined the planning process of the Country only towards the fag end of 1970s. Moreover, the governments at the helm of affairs after the merger hardly tried to inject new life into the fledging democracy like Sikkim which had a feudal past with supremacy of one single voice. The business-as-usual attitude of the then governments did not help matter either both in terms of designing new development interventions and identifying our strengths and weaknesses as the mountain State. Therefore, immediately after we took over, we sought to remedy this lackluster approach to development and make it vibrant by duly introducing professional and practical approach with special emphasis on our in-house strengths. As a State rich in natural resources, we identified certain areas as our priority sectors for comprehensive development of the State. They include eco-tourism, hydro-power generation, horticulture and floriculture, hospitality services, small scale clean industry including pharmaceutical units on a sustainable basis. The people of Sikkim are aware that we have made conscious effort in developing these sectors and have made much headway at present.

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Clearly defined economic road mapThey say quite aptly that Politics was and is economics. We are also aware of the economic principle of ‘how you spend is more important than what you spend’. To make Sikkim self-reliant means improving the economic condition of each person and each household. By implication, this would mean that Sikkim as the State and we as the Sikkimse should be economically strong. And the only way possible to achieve this status is by increasing our internal revenue. This we will have to achieve through twin approach of generating additional revenue and through applying the principle of fiscal prudence and to cut down our spending wherever possible. Socio-cultural revivalThey say that man does not live by bread alone. The inherent issue involved is dignity and self-respect which primarily prospers in the domain of people’s socio-cultural life, the faith and belief, the many traditional mores evolved over the centuries. The many socio-cultural heritage of the people of Sikkim languished and tend to dwindle for lack of state’s patronage. We quickly realized that unless we act decisively to restore many of our cultural heritage with regard to people’s way of life, food habits, the many culture and tradition, the essential identity of Sikkim and being a Sikkimese would be pushed into antiquity, only as a historical relics and historical remains. Raising the socio-cultural edifice has never been that easy and we can ill afford to lose our socio-cultural wealth nurtured and cherished by our forefathers. Accordingly, we effectively revived culture and tradition of the people, declared state holidays marking the religious and cultural occasions, named schools after respected elders for their contribution, and honored our folk artistes, musicians and even our traditional healers. The English poet and cultural critic Mathew Arnold famously said, “Culture looks beyond machinery, culture hates hatred; culture has one great passion, -- the passion for sweetness and light.” As we have succeeded to salvage our past, our culture and tradition from the ravages of time, we have strengthened our cultural mooring to spread, as the critic would say, sweetness and light into the living experience of the entire humanity.

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Special focus for the weaker sectionFrom clear departure from past practices, the Sikkim Democratic Front government has given special focus on the development of weaker section of people. With range of programs for upliftment of poor and the marginalized section of our population, we have consistently taken care to provide them at least the basic minimum requirement and an environment to live life with self-respect and dignity. There are lots of welfare measures undertaken in their welfare including increase in daily wages of labourer from Rs. 20 to Rs 150, land bank scheme for the domiciled Sikkimese, multiple increase in Old Age Pension, Widow Remarriage Scheme, etc. The welfare measures launched for our womenfolk have been unprecedented and they have made history on many counts.

The future of our choice:Now the future beckons us, and literally so. A future that is self-contained with people not only fully looked after but capable of nurturing themselves into the finest set of human being, happy and contented. Selfless people looking forward to live a life not only for one’s own sake but also for others. A future society that is worthy of our thought and our deeds, our honesty and our hard work. In plain language, we have set forth our dreams and defined our targets to be achieved by 2015. They include transforming Sikkim into:

(1)poverty-free State(2)illiteracy-free State(3)disease-free State(4)corruption-free State(5)eco-tourism destination (6)zero unemployment zone(7)the land of opportunity (8)the producer State(9)the best welfare State(10)the happiest State

Experience has taught us that setting target is important. And meeting that targets will keep us occupied to remain more creative and invent

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new interventions from time to time. This budget has been focused to carry forward our developmental agenda to consolidate and spur the growth of the economy of the State towards realizing the visions by the year 2015 and to emerge as a model State in the country with the highest indices in every socio-economic sphere of development.

Agriculture:With only around 14 percent land available for productive cultivation, emphasis on scientific and technological input into our agriculture and allied sector will continue to be underlined as the mainstay in our developmental strategy. While our developmental approach will need to address facilitating commercially viable investments involving potential stakeholders among the farming fraternity with large land holdings, our concern for the small and marginal farmers which constitute a sizeable percentage of the total farming population will need to be flagged as our developmental priority by arranging for them an integrated package of measures including improved farming technologies and practices which will yield higher dividends.

The activities launched under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana in the year 2007-08 designed as a programme adopting an integrated and a holistic approach to development of the agriculture and allied sectors is targeted to yield a 4 % annual growth rate throughout the State. I believe the outcome of the efforts under this flagship programme is generating the desired productive results. The cornerstone of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana is the logistic integration of all allied farming activities involving agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, cooperatives, irrigation etc. including complementary programmes for meaningful capacity building covering all stakeholders comprising field functionaries, Panchayats, self help groups and farmers. All these interrelated farming activities have been integrated to benefit the farming community under a cohesively designed District Plan for comprehensive development of this crucial sector. I urge upon all concerned departmental officials, Panchayats, NGO’s and key stakeholders to take due advantage of the facilities that have been put in place under the aegis of this scheme for the sustainable development of all the activities under this core sector of development.

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Floriculture Hon’ble Speaker SirWith the proactive initiatives instituted by my Government, the State’s potential in the sphere of the floriculture sector has been considerably identified and explored which is widely recognized across the globe. Our State has enthusiastically participated in several national and international exhibitions to show-case the diversity and richness of our floral resources. We have exhibited our natural resource potentials in this field of development both nationally as well as internationally. With the exquisite floral wealth in the State accompanied with big-time prospective investors vying to invest in this lucrative venture, the opportunities unfolding before us must be judiciously harnessed to the utmost benefit of our local growers. Here is an opportunity for our unemployed youths and women-folk to seize to the fullest extent without hesitation. My Government has the necessary supportive arrangements in place for providing technical training, marketing back-up, financial assistance, etc. to enable our prospective stakeholders to seize the emerging economic opportunities and to help create Sikkim into a floricultural paradise. This dream must be realized with the cooperation of all stakeholders in this lucrative profession.

The Horticulture Department has been mandated to seriously act as a facilitator to provide all the necessary assistance to help in the realization of this goal. I have been underlining these policy initiatives in every forum and I would like all concerned official functionaries and prospective stake-holders to actively partner in this venture to create Sikkim into a floricultural hot spot in this sublime Himalayan region.

Harnessing of medicinal herbs/plantsCultivation of medicinal crops and aromatic crops as a means of diversification in agriculture is yielding good returns countrywide. As the traditional health system including Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha has gained in popularity for their holistic treatment, increase in demand has led to over-exploitation of these crops in their natural habitat leading finally to cultivation of these medicinal plants under field condition. Our Government’s focus to harness medicinal herbs and plants on commercial scale have been scientifically defined wherein we can

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supply raw materials to the pharmaceutical units, cosmetic and drug industries across the Country. These inherent natural endowments need to be harnessed judiciously and must benefit the stakeholders at the grass root level in order to ensure the ecological and economical sustainability of these endangered and rich resources within respective biospheres. Increasing global interest in medicinal plants has created a sustained demand and the world trade in medicinal crops in 2002 itself was 1034 million US $. We have also framed rules for commercial harnessing of the famed Yarcha Gombuk in the international market where it can fetch high price.

It is heartening and indeed encouraging to know that a few dynamic local educated youths and NGO’s are spearheading a concerted campaign towards conservation and systematic harnessing of our fragile resources of medicinal herbs and plants. I have consistently expressed concern for the sustenance of our rich resource endowments within their natural eco-systems and I have also, underlined the need to institute effective R & D efforts towards achieving a sound balance between commercial exploitation of these scarce biological resources and their sustainability. We must strive to inculcate and establish a harmonious balance between man and environment to achieve the eco-friendly objectives in the Forestry & Environment Sector and maintain and uphold our envious position as a premier bio-diversity hot-spot in the country.

Hydro-power generation:We have already articulated our road map with regard to exploitation of our hydel power resources with due consideration towards ecological, environmental, socio-cultural and demographical safeguards. We have abundant potentials to harness with over 8000 MW capacity of hydel power at our disposal and we have been judiciously moving forward with several hydel projects involving a combined power generation capacity of almost 5000 MWs. The investment partners in these hydel projects comprise independent power producers including the NHPC. The commissioning of the 510 MW Teesta Hydroelectric Project Stage V as well as the operationalization of the 60 MW Rangeet Hydel Project along with several mini and micro hydel projects under the State Sector

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have substantially contributed to augmenting hydel power generating capacity of the State. We have envisaged a target to mobilize more than Rs. 1000 Crores of revenue with a combined generation of about 5000 MWs from all the hydel projects which are under various stages of execution. My Government has always maintained the stand that in the execution of all the hydel projects, due caution and care will be taken in adopting utmost transparency in the approval process with utmost consideration accorded for ensuring environmental and ecological safeguards. My Government will ensure to secure the total confidence and mandate of all stakeholders inhabiting every hydel project areas before according clearance of any investment in this sector. Our initiatives towards harnessing the hydel resources are addressed to opening opportunities for employment in the rural hinterland as well as generating revenue for the State to help carry forward the developmental pace in every sphere of socio-economic activity. I assure you that we have a vision to transform Sikkim into a forward and a performing State with the highest index of growth in terms of all the socio-economic parameters and I can promise you that this vision is well within our reach. With the mandate and support we have received from the people, this goal is surely within our capacity to accomplish.

Eco-tourism: our forteThe tourism industry has been developing at a phenomenal rate and it is indeed a cause for concern that our infrastructure in terms of accommodation to sustain the galloping growth in the tourist traffic need to be upgraded. Sikkim has positioned itself as a premier tourist destination with its pristine environment and tranquility in contrast to the turbulent and hostile atmosphere in the neighboring hill stations. Our conscious efforts in regard to human resource development to create a pool of technical expertise in the hospitability sector has been already underlined as a priority and I am pleased to inform this august House that the employment prospects through the placement programmes being administered by the Hotel Management Institute of the Tourism Department has been indeed encouraging. We need to carry forward these efforts in a progressive and aggressive manner.

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The significant economic spin-offs triggered by the tourism boom in the State over the recent years is amply evident. We must seize these unfolding opportunities in right earnest and in the correct perspectives. Our developmental strategies and programmes need to be tailored to optimize the dividends from this up-beat trend with pragmatic programmes addressing concern for providing gainful employment involving local youths. We will strive towards maintaining our image as the best performing State in tourism and also continue to underline our concern to promote eco-centric, people-centric and ethnic tourism covering every nook and corner of the State. Our natural resource endowments with rich bio-diversity comprising fascinating wealth of flora and fauna, the pristine rivers and streams embraced within the glorious ambience of the gorgeous Himalayan landscape makes Sikkim a paradise for tourists. Our State has created a niche in the national tourism map and we must therefore be proactive in our investment strategies to consolidate and capitalize this commanding position we hold for the best interest of our local economy.

Our State has been globally mapped in the tourist pilgrimage circuit because of our rich cultural and religious heritage which are of historical significance. Our State is prominently mapped in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in the country and with the unfolding prospects of the opening of the pilgrimage destination to the Mansarovar lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, the volume of investments to cater to the spate of demand from the tourist influx would be substantial. The construction of the 135 ft. statue of Sikkim’s revered saint, Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, which has gained prominence as a place of tourist interest was an initiative of my Government towards consolidating our infrastructure to promote pilgrimage tourism in the State. This land mark project gave us the fillip and motivation to embark on more such projects dedicated to highlight the religious and cultural wealth of the State. Several allied projects followed in succession comprising the construction of the statue of Sri Janga , the statue of Lord Shiva, statue of Bhanu Bhakta and the construction of the Jyotilinga Char Dham at Solophok. The progress with regard to the construction of the statue of Lord Buddha at Ravongla is in an advance stage and the commissioning of this prestigious project in the very near

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future will be a notable milestone in our endeavour to transform Sikkim into a paradise for pilgrimage tourism.

We have also envisaged development of a mix of amusement tourist spots in every constituency and some of such facilities have already been commissioned while others are in various stages of planning and execution. Our potential stake–holders at the village level and our dynamic army of NGO’s must exploit the opportunities emerging from this burgeoning tourism industrial boom and I can assure you that my Government will have the supportive policies and the logistic framework in place to facilitate the multiplier effect of this industry to spread out to reach each and every household in all the villages within the State. I urge upon all my Legislative colleagues to support this mission of our Government to recognize tourism as an industry to be eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable and continue to mobilize the participation of each and every household in the villages throughout the State to actively engage and partake the benefits emanating from this flourishing industry.

Environmental sustainability:Our Government’s policy has always been focused on transforming Sikkim into a garden State with all the rich bio-diversity alongwith the wildlife resources encompassing terrestrial and aquatic, arthopoda and avifauna species. The on-going programmes under the Smriti Ban and Green Mission will be continued in earnest to consolidate these efforts.

I have relentlessly pursued with my genuine concern with regard to the issue of climate change and have also taken due initiative to constitute a State Glacier Commission under the Chairmanship of Prof. S. I. Hasnain. This initiative will hopefully contribute towards realizing the goals envisaged by the Central Government under the National Mission Plan to tackle challenges resulting from the effects of climate change. This is an area of utmost concern underlined in my Government’s list of priorities for ecology and environmental security. We will further strengthen and consolidate our efforts involving solid waste management and organic farming in keeping with the environmentally

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friendly practices underlined in the recommendations of the experts dedicated to concerns involving climate change.

There is a pressing and an urgent need to spread awareness amongst our people on the gravity and imminent pit- falls that could bring about devastation of a catastrophic magnitude and to educate them to cultivate environmentally friendly and sustainable developmental practices. I will assure to dedicate all the requisite resources in the budget to equip the concerned implementing agencies and NGO’s in fulfillment of this mission which I consider to be of paramount significance in the global combat to avert a fall-out from the imminent disastrous effect of climate change in our vulnerably fragile Himalayan eco-system.

Progress made in infrastructure development:Hon’ble Speaker SirAs a landlocked State, we have always felt inadequate infrastructure as our bottleneck to all our development initiatives. However, with the assistance of the central government, we have been able to bridge the gap considerably during the last fifteen years. Many of the major projects are under construction. The progress with regard to all these infrastructural developments will be vigorously monitored. These activities will be integrated and synchronized with the complementary programmes involving the up-gradation of the National Highway-31 A. We will persistently pursue with the concerned Ministries at the centre to appreciate the ground realities with regard to the infrastructural constraints in the State and impress upon them on the urgency in taking timely remedial measures.

With the historic achievement of our Government in the opening of the Nathula trading corridor, the cross – border relations have considerably improved with no security threats whatsoever. Our international neighbour has displayed due diplomacy and warmth in facilitating the cross-border trading activity though the volume of trade is presently insignificant. We will endeavour to expand the range of tradeable commodities in the import-export basket which will provide the impetus for enhancing the trade volume. Our physical infrastructure in terms of good roads, warehouses and all other related facilities will need to be

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adequately developed to cater to the increasing demand arising from a much higher volume of trade in the coming years.

The execution of the project for the green field airport in Pakyong is being taken up in earnest and we have already defined specific time-frame and have instituted proper monitoring mechanism to ensure that this facility will be commissioned by July 2012.

We have been vigorously pursuing with the National Highway Authority of India for expediting the completion of the national highway which is to be upgraded to double- lane standard. We have also urged upon the Government of India to urgently consider our long outstanding demand for an alternative highway which will serve as a stand-by route in the event of any disruption in the communication via the only existing communication life-line.

The Government of India has been kind to accord in-principle approval with regard to providing rail connectivity to the State and we will vigorously press forward our demand with the Union Ministry of Railways for early commencement of this project. Various consolidation works involving drainage, carpeting, widening, improvement of road gradient including necessary protective measures at vulnerable points along the existing network of State highways shall be undertaken in a time-bound manner. Our widely dispersed rural road network which provide connectivity to the remotest villages in the State will be upgraded to all-weather road standard in a phased manner.

As I mentioned before, we have conducive and attractive investment climate in place in terms of policies that will appeal to private investors to partake in this tourism venture. I am delighted to know that a couple of hotels and resorts which meet credible standards of excellence have come up all across the State. There is ample opportunity in the horizon for more such facilities to be developed in every part of the State.

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Education:Hon’ble Speaker SirOur Government has consistently underlined that universalization of education is the bed-rock of human empowerment and security. Our Government’s concerted efforts to provide quality education has yielded positive outcomes with literacy rate of 68.80 (as per 2001 census) improving quickly to touch an impressive 82 percent today. The girl student enrolment has been remarkable with the latest estimate of 101 girls to 100 boys which is impressive when compared to the ratio of 51 girls to 100 boys in 1975. These basic indicators are indeed encouraging trend in the educational scenario. Our educational system need to be overhauled and re-oriented to impart learning with qualitative and contemporary curriculum designed to develop and sharpen the competitive edge of our students to be able to meet the daunting challenges of the 21st century.

The establishment of the Sikkim University has been a major break-through in providing the basic infrastructure to play a pivotal role in streamlining and furthering the development of educational programmes in the higher education sector. All Government and private colleges with the exception of the Sanskrit Mahavidhalaya and the Sheda have been brought under the ambit of this Central University. Our Government will continue to support and consolidate the development of the requisite infrastructure for the University and have accordingly provided the necessary budgetary provisions towards payment of land compensation for the University campus at Yangyang.

Political stability and healthy climate prevailing in the State makes Sikkim an ideal location as an educational hub. This is a potential area of development which needs to be underscored and judiciously exploited. We will welcome private sector investors to participate with the State in the development initiatives in this specific area. Our Government will endeavour to provide affordable and easy accessibility to cater to the needs and aspirations of our upcoming youths for pursuing higher studies in every academic discipline with establishment of institutes of excellence throughout the State. There is ample scope and demand for additional colleges to cater to various study courses in

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the State and it is worth mentioning that our network of academic infrastructure has been catering to the educational needs of students from outside the State as well.

Needless to mention that the growth and sustainability of our educational institutions both in the private as well as the public sector will have positive spin-off in terms of accelerating economic dividends of incredible proportion for our people. Upgradation of the academic programmes with introduction of Honours courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in the Tadong Government College and Namchi Government College along with the operation of the LL.M course in the Sikkim Government College are indicative of the intent of our Government’s dedicated effort to provide accessibility to high standards of quality education with professionally qualified and committed teaching faculty. We will not compromise on prescribed qualification and proficiency in the process of induction of teachers at all levels of education and our efforts to uphold the ideals of ensuring quality in our educational system will continue to be underlined under our educational policy.

In keeping with our policy to secure high educational standards at all levels of education with a sound mix of academic curriculum to cultivate our aspiring youths to meet the competitive challenges of the 21st Century, we will address our priorities to sensitize our teaching fraternity towards upgradation of their skills in their respective professional disciplines with supportive incentives as a motivational scheme. We will embark upon a concerted programme to introduce computer education courses right from the primary level upto the senior secondary level. In all these initiatives for the advancement of our upcoming generation, we have special supportive programmes to assist students falling under the BPL category with financial support as well as for others to avail of soft educational loans to pursue higher education. Our Party’s manifesto has flagged the issue of educational security and accessibility for all our children and all these pronouncements that I have made under the domain of the education sector are intended towards fulfillment of this vision. We have forty Community Information Centres with fully operational computerized facilities

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spread out all across the State which have provided access to promoting computer literacy and internet services for our rural population. These initiatives are in keeping with our Government’s effort to promote computer literacy under our mission to develop a State-wide Technology park in order to keep our people abreast with the technological advancements in the information technology domain.

Affordable health care for allOur Government has instituted the basic infrastructure and the necessary delivery mechanism to provide easy and cost-free health services for all our citizens with a network of hospitals and rural health Centres throughout the State. The delivery mechanism with regard to provision of comprehensive medical health care services will be further supplemented with the strengthening of the services of mobile hospitals. We are the first State in the country to provide Hepatitis ‘B’ vaccination free of cost to infants upto the age group of 1 year. All these activities are intended to contribute to our Government’s mission to provide comprehensive health security for all our citizens. Our thrust will be addressed to undertaking preventive health care programmes while also making efforts to consolidating our hospital infrastructure with all the modern diagnostic and surgical equipments for providing basic medical services.

There is a need to invest the required resources for the upgradation of facilities in all District hospitals alongwith the required team of medical experts and paramedical force and we have the requisite budgetary projections made for these purposes. We have also envisaged a programme to undertake a technical tie-up with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to physically upgrade, restructure and augment the STNM hospital complex in order to transform this medical heritage centre into an ultra- modern facility in the State Capital with telemedicine accessibility to enable both medical treatment as well as to support and promote medical research programmes.

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Industrial growthThe industrial scenario in the State with an investment friendly climate in place has been witnessing a perceptible growth trend despite the global economic recession. Our industrial policy thrust will continue to underline ecological and environmental considerations in the process of clearing any industrial project proposals. We will address concern for inclusive growth with regard to all new industrial developments in the State in order that our local citizens can participate and enjoy a fair share of the benefit from the industrial growth process. We will continue to underline capacity building targeting our abundant pool of human resources as our Governments flag-ship programme so that our youths can seize the opportunities of employment avenues emerging from the industrial growth in all sectors. We have had series of interactions in various forums involving industrialists both national as well as international for attracting viable investment propositions in the State and it is indeed heartening to know that a few companies have evinced keen interest in investing in our State. We will welcome all such offers provided they are in consonance with our Government’s industrial policy to safeguard ecology and environment and also ensure employment opportunities for our local population.

We will continue to encourage eco-friendly industries with low-volume and high value production and also promote industries in the realm of the food-processing sector. With our nationally recognized brand as an organic State, the potential in the food processing industry is enormous and we need to exploit this commanding position for the benefit of all stake-holders. We have a few State public sector units which are performing poorly and we need to either formulate a time-bound turn-around strategy for these sick industries or consider appropriate and timely measures for disinvestment. Whatever be the remedial options we may adopt, we will not overlook the welfare and security of the employees in all these industrial units to adequately provide for their rehabilitation. We also have the requisite legislative safeguards for our local labour force to secure reservation in employment in any industry being established in the State. Our effort towards developing an Agriculture Export Zone has yielded dividends and today we are positioned prominently as a potential source of export for floriculture

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products, ginger, cherry pepper, passion fruit, organic tea, mandarin orange and a wide range of exotic medicinal herbs and plants. In order to exploit and maximize the benefits from these emerging developments, we need to revamp and synergize the cooperative farming culture covering every village unit in the State to usher in an era of a green revolution in our State for the benefit of our farming community throughout the State.

Rural renaissance The safeguard and security of the poor and the down-trodden will continue to remain our utmost concern. Provision of rural housing scheme, house-upgradation and allied activities under the Chief Minister’s Housing Programme will be continued to embrace every deserving family unit throughout the State. Villagers engaged in ethnic tourism business will be provided assistance to develop accommodation facilities as well as sanitary infrastructure. We have made the necessary provision to cover all BPL families with subsidized and controlled prices in respect of all essential commodities including rice, salt, oil, pulses, sugar etc. The delivery system that we have in place for all these services will not be biased or discriminatory in terms of caste, creed, political affiliation etc. We have also plans to introduce inclusive banking whereby Government will chip in grants as seed deposit in the name of the mother of every deserving and legitimate Sikkimese family unit and through this account all transactions involving beneficiary oriented services from various delivery windows of the Government including family health insurance will be covered.

The delivery of benefits to the poor and needy under the Janata Mela programmes throughout the State will continue. The package of benefits under this programme will cover Rural Housing assistance, Indira Awaas Yojana, Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme, Old Age Pension, Chief Minister’s Antodya Anandan Yojana, distribution of LPG connections, agricultural mini-kits alongwith HYV seed inputs, animal husbandary livestocks, sewing machines, land for the land-less etc.Our Government’s initiatives to provide security and shelter to the needy and deprived sections of our population with assistance in the

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form of cash and roofing materials to build basic housing units as well as upgrade existing old houses have made a tangible impact in uplifting the living condition and well-being of the under privileged populace. The introduction of the scheme to provide land to the landless has given immense relief, comfort and security to the targeted groups. Our Government’s experiment with the scheme for developing model villages in every constituency has been widely acknowledged as an innovative and a successful development initiative. The present budget has made adequate provisions to continue and carry forward all these welfare activities encompassing programmes under the Indira Awaas Yojana, Rural Housing Scheme, Mukhya Mantri Awaas Yojana, distribution of land to the landless etc.

The rural development strategy will need to be reoriented with a much sharper focus on promoting and fostering the socio-economic upliftment of every village unit on a sustainable basis. Our focus must be targeted at every single family in all the village units of the State. We have made the appropriate administrative restructuring arrangements to empower our village level functionaries with adequate administrative and financial powers to equip every Panchayat unit to address issues of concern which are specific to their respective jurisdictions and to enable them to deliver the needed services for the largest interest of the people. Our vision is to create every single village into an entity which is vibrant, economically productive, socio-politically conscious and sustainable, progressive and competitive in every sphere of human activity. The realization of these goals will enrich and empower the village economy which will contribute towards reversing the rural-urban migration. The village and people centric approach in our programmes for rural development will be sharply underlined with the view to correcting the urban-rural disparity.

While the process of decentralization and devolution of administrative and financial powers to the Panchayati Raj Institutions have already been completed and streamlined, the exercise as regards institutionalizing urban local bodies as mandated under the 74th

constitutional Amendment is being taken up in earnest. All aspects involving formulation of rules and manuals, demarcation of municipal

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boundaries delimitation and reservation etc are being attended to keeping in mind the time-frame for the municipality elections slated for August, 2009. The regime that will eventually emerge with the urban local bodies in operation is expected to witness a remarkable transformation in the urban development administration with community initiatives inspired by collective thoughts and demand driven vision being predominantly in play. The UD & HD, as the nodal Department, to assist in this transitional process of governance will act as a facilitator in developing the enabling polices and environment for the democratic institution of the urban local bodies to function effectively in the true spirit mandated by the constitutional provisions.

Urban developmentThe development strategy as I have just outlined is in keeping with the policy that I had announced in the previous year’s budget presentation for the need to adopt a paradigm shift in our approach to planning towards evolving an eco-friendly, comprehensive, integrated and people-centric development of the entire State within the framework of the city-state concept whereby all development activities will be channelized in a holistic and equitable manner in order to narrow the urban-rural divide in terms of services, infrastructural facilities, employment opportunities etc. All the towns located in the District headquarters and sub-divisional headquarters including other notified townships throughout the State have been listed for undertaking an integrated package of urban reforms under the auspices of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission Programme. In these areas of developmental intervention, we have enlisted the technical expertise of the Singaporean Government to formulate master plans for all townships including Gangtok and we will be transparent in our approach in engaging the participation and entrepreneurial expertise of the private sector in the development of urban infrastructure including service delivery. We will need to rely on the capacity of our numerous NGO’s spread throughout the State to partner in the delivery of civic services particularly in regard to safe and effective disposal of urban waste.

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The distribution of population across urban areas in the State reveals a very high incidence of concentration in the East District with 88% of the total population followed by South District with 9%, West District with 2% and North District with 1%. The intensity of the pressure from the population density is acutely centred within Gangtok which is evidently attributable to the fact that the State capital is bursting with tremendous growth, being as it is, the administrative and commercial hub of the State. The rural-urban migration triggered by better prospects of employment and business opportunities with higher standard of quality in life has saddled the civic administration in the capital with enormous pressure. The magnitude of the constraints with regard to housing shortages, traffic congestions, sewerage and sanitation deficiencies, garbage disposal etc. pose a formidable challenge. These are issues of serious concern which need to be addressed.

With the over-saturation of Gangtok city and the uncontrollable migration into the capital and the adjoining hinterland, there is an imperative need and urgency to develop alternative infrastructural facilities to act as counter magnets to ease the congestion in Gangtok. We will need to embark upon concerted and comprehensive plans to develop residential colonies including satellite townships in the vicinity of the capital to pave way for providing the solutions to mitigate the ever increasing pressure in Gangtok. This task must be carried through in earnest and without compromise. The over-saturation of Gangtok with no room for taking up any civic infrastructural development works must be recognized. All these issues of concern are intended to pre-empt the pitfalls of uncontrolled and haphazard growth of the capital which would be disastrous.

The serene and picturesque ambience created along the mall at MG Marg in Gangtok is a sample of urban beautification works that my Government will replicate in all other townships throughout the State. Namchi town has also been given a facelift and similar beautification schemes have been envisaged in Rangpo where the entry gate at the border point will be redesigned to depict the traditional character and identity of our State. Simultaneously, other allied improvement works will be undertaken in this border town to welcome our visitors with a

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taste and experience that is truly Sikkimese. We will need to mobilize the active cooperation and involvement of NGO’s and all stakeholders in observing utmost civic sense and in maintaining and securing the up-keep of the urban amenities and assets being developed in our urban settlements all across the State.

Empowering womenfolkIn keeping with our vision to provide a comprehensive security cover for the welfare of women-folk with regard to social, political , economic, educational, employment and legal safeguards, we have forged ahead to put in place a conducive and an enabling environment where social justice, equality and dignity for women are being fully secured. For the interest and security of women, we have taken initiatives to introduce policies and programmes such as post-natal financial assistance to the poor women-folk, benefit of three months maternity leave for women in Government service, reservation in Government employment including educational admissions, etc. Our concern for women and child welfare will continue to be underlined as a priority and with our vision to transform Sikkim into a State devoid of any diseases. We have fully succeeded to bring down the infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 from the level of 72 per 1000 in 1994. We have also made legislative provisions whereby women will have legitimate right to inherit equal share of family property. These innovative initiatives are historic and are intended to uphold and secure the right and dignity of the fair sex in our society.

Peace & rule of lawWe have continued to maintain our status as a serene and tranquil State with no law and order problems. We have consolidated and strengthened our legal regime with the institution of Lok Adalats, Consumer Courts, Atrocity Courts, Human Rights Courts, Family Courts, and Women’s Commission etc. Our Government’s policy towards observing transparency in the conduct of the affairs of the Government is evident in our commitment to implementation of the Right to Information Act without fear or favour. The physical infrastructure of our judiciary system are being developed throughout the State and programmes for extending free legal aid and awareness

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campaigns to the poor are being organized to reach every nook and corner of the State.Chanelizing the Youth powerOur youth force which represents the pillar of our future, will continue to be addressed for the development of their foundation and career advancement in various professional fields. Our Government have introduced innovative schemes involving capacity building to provide avenues of employment opportunities for our youths in various professional trades. The Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme has been a successful experimental initiative which has established and secured the career of our young to move forward in life by engaging in productive activities. We have introduced several incentive schemes to motivate our young generation to channelize their skills and expertise for the betterment of their future. Our flag-ship programmes targetted for the youths under the Skill Development Fund, Career Development Fund and Capacity Building Schemes have been fairly successful. We need to carry forward these efforts to create a conducive environment for our youths to have easy access to develop skill and expertise in every technical trade for securing their livelihood. All sectoral Departments will be entrusted to target the need for skill development of the youth population in their respective vocational fields. My passion for nurturing and developing the potentials of our youths to eventually evolve into useful and productive citizens to serve the interest of the State and the nation will never waver.

Economic boomThe State’s economic indicators have been impressive. The Net State Domestic Product which was Rs. 426 crores in 1995 has scaled up to Rs. 1,730 crores at current prices in 2007. We have maintained a comfortable growth rate of 10% through the 10th Plan period and the per capita index has multiplied to Rs. 29,561 in 2007 from Rs. 8,905 in 1995. Our State’s revenue generation from Tax and Non-Tax Revenue sources has touched the level of Rs. 436.00 crores way up from the figure of Rs. 44.72 crores in 1994-95 and we are envisaging to accomplish a three-fold enhancement of our interval revenue generation to Rs. 1500 crores by the year 2015. We have instituted measures for enforcing stringent fiscal discipline and austerity measures in

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Government expenditure and have also addressed the need to accelerate our internal revenue generation.

Future perfect:At the backdrop of such an impressive array of achievements and with fifteen years well behind us, the next question probably would be ‘What next?’ … Hon’ble Speaker Sir, on the basis of our rich experience gained during the last fifteen years, we would seek to learn or unlearn, we will seek to do or undo, as the case may be, to make our collective approach more scientific, more professional and more rewarding. Respected citizens of the State would be very pleased to know that after our swearing in on May 20, we have already taken up host of new and innovative schemes, some new projects and many imaginative policy initiatives for ensuring comprehensive growth and development of the State. Hence, what we have accomplished during the last 66 days will further consolidate and strengthen our past achievements. Permit me to start as follow:

Comprehensive development: the essential keys

1. The comprehensive effort put forward by the SDF Government to bring about balanced development over the last fifteen years will have to be further consolidated. Our Government’s administration will be more scientific with a humane touch. It will continue to remain people-centric, youth centric, village centric, future-centric and environment friendly;

2. All the on-going projects and schemes will be completed on priority;

3. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure food security for our people. In fact, we will endeavour to fulfill all the domestic demands on our own and especially in the production of vegetable, milk, meat, eggs, fish and fruit;

4. We are seriously pursuing our goal to transform Sikkim into a total Organic State by 2015. With much progress on the ground, we will continue to work tirelessly to fulfill our mission;

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5. Our fundamental policy to fulfill basic minimum needs of our people will be further consolidated to grant them higher level of comfort and well being;

6. One of the greatest challenges we face in the coming era will be that of water security. The symptoms are clear even in states like ours for reasons including global warming which is debated world over. In addition to many other steps already initiated, we are now undertaking mapping of village springs so that we evolve appropriate measure to stop precious water sources from drying up;

7. Effective mechanism will be designed to further plugged in resource drain and fund leakages across board. We will continue to utilize the earmarked funds in a proper and more scientific way for only programs which are result-oriented;

8. We would genuinely feel that the revenue target set by respective department should be increased further;

9. All the existing public facilities and assets across the State will be strictly monitored for proper maintenance and proper utilization;

10. We shall take up construction of Bhaichung Stadium at Namchi with all modern sporting facilities. I make the budgetary provision of Rs. 1.00 crore for this financial year

11. We have also decided to construct multi-layer car parking at Gangtok with the budgetary provision of Rs. 1.00 crore for this financial year;

12. We are also going to fulfill the long-felt need to construct Soochana Bhawan at Gangtok. I keep aside a sum of Rs. 1.00 crore for the same;

13. I hereby earmark initial sum of Rs. 1.50 crores for installation of statue of Chenrejig in the State and another 1.00 crore for construction of Tenzing Hillary Park and Lake at Uttarey;

14. Construction of Skywalk at Bhaleydhunga shall commence at the earliest with budget provision of Rs. 1.00 crore for this financial year;

15. I also allocate Rs. 4.00 crores for construction of Annexe Building near Tashiling Secretariat.

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16. The Government will also construct a Habitat Centre, State Art Gallery and a State Museum at the total provision of Rs. 2.21 crore;

17. Cultural tourism, village tourism and concept of homestay shall be further pursued in line with kukenhof complex in Netherland providing local cuisine, souvenirs and other goods reflecting the life of the local population.

Health programs:Hon’ble Speaker SirOur Government’s vision is to create an environment of comprehensive health security for our citizens not only with regard to their physical well-being but also in terms of social, mental, moral and spiritual health which will help in transforming the entire social fabric into an enlightened State.

We have also envisaged an innovative scheme of providing health insurance coverage for every Sikkimese above the age of 45 years and the modalities for implementation of this new initiative is being formulated. In order to tide over these financial drains, we will consider introduction of a workable Health Insurance Scheme to cover the medicare requirements of our entire population. A matching budget allocation shall be made accordingly.

In our society, we are still to evolve a social practice to go for annual health check-up on a compulsory basis. Therefore, we have undertaken an ambitious program known as Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and Total Checkup for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) to provide comprehensive annual and periodical health services to citizens from village to state level. Among other, this will basically focus on (a) study of area wise data on morbidity of all people for taking up effective action to improve the health status of people; (b) facilitate early detection of disease with no apparent symptoms and prevent long term illness through early diagnosis and effective treatment; and (c) updating clinical data on yearly basis. I am very happy to inform this august

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House that health program of this nature and magnitude will be first of its kind and a model in India.

Our Government has also accorded an in-principle approval for construction of a 500 bed capacity super-specialty hospital in the capital. The planning and designing of the DPR for this project has been initiated. These infrastructural developments are intended to provide multi-specialty health care facility for the people of the State. I would like to set aside a sum of Rs. 3.00 crores for this special project.

Sikkim was the first State in the Country to provide for free vaccination of Hepatitis B to children below 1 year. We will now expand this programme to cover all children below the age of 10 years.

A package of medical and health care measures to take care of women and children in distress including the poor and needy and the old and the physically disadvantaged will be adequately provided under the Mukhya Mantri Jeewan Raksha Khosh agenda. This includes free distribution of Vitamin tablets to young women and the elderly persons as supplementary provision. We have also taken up similar health measures to fully insulate our citizens from all health hazards. In brief, they are:

1. Mukhya Mantri Pousta Ahaar Yojana- monthly free distribution of 4 kg mixed daal to BPL families with budget provision of Rs. 1.00 crore.

2. Mukhya Mantri Jeevan Rakshyak Kosh; 3. Mukhya Mantri Netra Jyoti Yojana- spectacles free of cost to all

needy people;4. Mukhya Mantri Swarna Shakti Samridhi Yojana- hearing aid free

of cost to all needy people;5. 5-year Special program launched to combat Anemia among

women and malnutrition among children;

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Re-orienting Education SectorHon’ble Speaker SirThe fact that we have entered into the new century has come to mean emergence of new paradigm brought about by multiple forces including globalization and liberalization. We have acutely felt the need to re-orient our education system to meet new demands and requirement of the new age. We are aware that even at the national level, there is continued debate on the proposed changes in school curriculum, evaluation system and etc. Sam Pitroda, the Chairman of the National Knowledge Commission says that education models the world over are 200 years old and now need to plan for the university and school of 2050.

We have been often told, “If you think education expensive, try ignorance”. The meaning is terse and direct. Accordingly, from day one, we have made adequate provision to make education accessible and affordable to all sections of the people. In fact, we have introduced range of educational incentives to make our people fully literate and educated. May I recount only the most recent schemes introduced to further make education broad based:

(a)Free admission and full scholarship to the best public school in the State for ten (10) students from each district who top Class V examination;

(b)Free admission and full sponsorship to best public schools in the Country for ten (10) best students who top primary level at the State level.

(c)Full sponsorship to students able to secure admission in 20 best Universities of the world under the Chief Minister Free Scholarship scheme;

Hon’ble Speaker SirOver the decade, improvement seen in education sector has been highly encouraging. However, we need to do more to make education a tool for complete development and address the widespread mismatch between job providers and job seekers. Let us consider some of the statistic:

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→ In India, less than 10% of the population is able to acquire higher education. It is a critical situation for a country where 50% of the population is below 25 years of age.

→ Although two and a half million people are passing out each year from our 450 universities and 18000 colleges, most of them lack any employable skills.

→ Only 5% of our workforce is vocationally trained. In comparison, Germany has a workforce that is 70% vocationally trained, Japan has raised that benchmark to 80% and Korea 95%. Even China has built 500,000 vocational institutes compared to India’s 10,000 ITIs.

→ As per recent report, India would face ‘talent gap’ – i.e. lack of right skills for the job required – of more than 5 million by 2012 whereas there will be a surplus of 1.3 million unskilled and unqualified school dropouts and illiterates;

Hon’ble Speaker SirAs we have earmarked the highest annual allocation in education, Sikkim could be an exception and may likely remain outside the mischief of the above figures. However, we have to face it squarely that the State Government alone will not be able to accommodate all our educated manpower in government establishment alone. We have already worked out comprehensive programs to support them through skilling and re-skilling as a lifelong engagement.

Teachers’ training program shall be promoted more vigorously. Accordingly, we will immediately set up one more B. Ed. College at Soreng and one more DIET centre at Namchi. Training and classes shall commence soon. I am pleased to set aside a sum of Rs. 1.00 crore each for this purpose as an initial budget provision.

Constitution of Knowledge CommissionHon’ble Speaker Sir, We are moving forward in right earnest to address the issue of quality education in the State. Opinions may defer from person to person but the end goal is not different. In the State, we need to further improve

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school infrastructure, bring about improvement in teaching and learning environment, recommendations like making mathematics and science compulsory to pass out at the primary level and appointment of language teachers at Secondary level for Hindi, Nepali and English etc.

We would require some professional inputs and experts to study and recommend both long term and short term reform measures in the State. Therefore, I am very pleased to inform this august House that the State Government has constituted Knowledge Commission with the budgetary provision of Rs. 20.00 lakhs for this financial year. I am further pleased to inform this august House that this Commission is the first of its kind at the State level in the whole country.

We need to initiate a healthy debate in the State so that we are able to equip our children with the best of education found anywhere in the world. After all the Greek Philosopher Aristotle has said, “Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity”.

Capacity Building initiatives The State of Sikkim has a full fledged Directorate of Capacity Building to undertake training in diverse skills and trades. The Government has done this to consolidate the solid gains arrived at from innovative Skill Development Fund project introduced in 2003. This Fund focused on building diverse skills and capacities among the youth in the State. The results have been encouraging and we have clearly seen a conspicuous down-turn in government employment seekers among the youths. Besides, organizing number of Employment Fairs in the State, the Directorate has sponsored host of training programs for our youths both within and outside the Country with good placement facilities.

The fact that Infrastructure development and creation of opportunities by themselves will not contribute towards economic development of our people has been recognized by the State Government. The Government would need competent manpower who, besides being educated, are capable and skillful to take advantage of the many opportunities available in different fields. Secondly is the need to change the stereotyped mindset of younger generation to answer the call of time

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and circumstances and switch over to more promising and potential professions including in service sector. Accordingly, the Government is encouraging all people- both educated and uneducated, the farmers and entrepreneurs to undergo exclusive training schedules for skill augmentation so that the opportunities arising out of our natural strength and rich climatic variations could be effectively harnessed by our local people.

I am pleased to set aside a substantial amount under the annual plan allocation for the Capacity Building programs.

Universal Financial InclusionHon’ble Speaker SirAs part of future course of action on fiscal front, we have envisaged to sponsor 1 lakhs households under the Financial Inclusion Project in the State. Under the project, we are planning to open a no frill Bank Account through the Business Correspondent Route of any nationalized or good private bank in the name of female member of the household. All cash transactions under different schemes covering old age pensions, women’s empowerment grants, employment guarantee scheme and other similar financial grants available to the member of household can be directly credited to her account. This project will also provide for insurance cover to maximum of six members of the household for unforeseen perils as follows: Life, health and accident and group accident. The idea will be to strengthen economic issue of financial discipline among the common masses and achieve 100% financial inclusion in all village and districts of the State within the reasonable time frame. All these measures would contribute to facilitating financial inclusion covering all stake holders. Therefore, I allocate an initial sum of Rs. 4.00 crores for the project.

Home for orphans: During my presentation at the United Peace Federation hosted program at Chintan Bhawan the other day, I had expressed by sorrow to state that there are 148 millions children who are orphans. They need love and care. They need families not only orphanage. They say charity begins at

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home. Therefore, we are genuinely concerned to provide them full nurturing. By full nurturing, I mean giving them the comfort of home, comfort of family love and affection, free quality education and all other modern facilities to help them grow as complete human being. Our idea is that no single child is deprived of the essential of life, the basic care and attention.

The Government shall establish an Orphanage in the State as our dream project. We will give maximum concentration to provide the best of facilities to them so that the children created by god in His own image is adequately looked after and nurtured to help them live a complete life. For this purpose, I am very pleased to set aside a sum of Rs. 1.00 crore for this financial year.

Village Development Action planHon’ble Speaker SirThe issue of urban planning has always occupied our attention to provide the best of facilities and amenities in all towns and bazaars. We are facing grave challenges to absorb the ever swelling numbers of people settling in urban habitation which is basically triggered by rural-urban migration. Apart from our own initiatives, we have also engaged professional consultancy from Singapore to prepare urban blue print with future perspective in mind. This would involve locating or re-locating urban public facilities in the best way possible in consonance with our geographical features.

In similar fashion, our villages are spread out in our natural setting from the sparsely populated to considerable concentration of human habitation. So far, there is not much thought given to orderly and planned growth and development of village infrastructure and public facilities. The State Government has, therefore, decided to prepare a blue print under the broadly defined Village Development Action Plan program. The larger goal is to transform all our urban habitation like that of Singapore and all our villages like that of Switzerland. We are already engaged in serious discussion with Professor B. Daflon from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and who have been assigned the task of preparing the Village Development Action Plan. This will be

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executed by the Department of Rural Management and Development and I am pleased to allocate a sum of Rs. 50.00 lakhs for this financial year.

Environment & Climate change issue Sikkim constitutes only 0.2 % of the total area of India but has 26% of its bio-diversity. We have put aside 44% of our geographical area as the protected area, consisting of the National Parks & Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserve. The Government is making all efforts on conservation and management of the forest resources of the State and to maintain the ecology with sustainable development. The State Government has always undertaken development works under the Clean Development Mechanism with sustainability as our policy prescription. Given the worldwide concern on global warming and climate change, Sikkim has taken a lead in constituting Glacier and Climate Change Commission with Prof. S.I. Hasnain as its Chairman. The Commission aims to review the current status of glaciers and snowmelts in Sikkim along the eastern Himalayan belt and will co-opt to realize the Eight National Missions on Climate Change under National Action Plan unveiled by the Hon’ble Prime Minister last year. Furthermore, in order to derive maximum advantage through these Missions, the State Government has also constituted an Advisory Council namely “Sikkim State Council on Climate Change”.

Hon’ble Speaker SirSikkim is today producer of many unique ideas and programs in the country Recently, we initiated one more innovative green campaign mobilizing the over six lakhs population of the State to plant sapling under the ‘10 minutes to earth’ program. Hon’ble Speaker Sir, when the clock struck 10.30 in the morning on July 15, 2009, we comfortably created history in the State, country and probably in the world for the massive success to plant 6 lakhs and 10 thousands sapling within a matter of ten minutes. We are the producer of this new idea in the country and the world. We want to disseminate this to the people of the State, India and to the world community.

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Sikkim is the producer of neat and clean environment. Sikkim created an example on how to live with nature by harmonizing the forces of man and nature. This is a unique example in the country. We will also continue with all our on-going green initiatives and will find new innovation from time to time to infuse greater vigour and excitement into our green campaign.

Consumerism- a bleak manifestationDue to forces unleashed by globalization and liberalization, there have been marked changes evident in people’s life style all across the world. Sikkim, as usual, cannot remain untouched by this global trend. A new sense of urgency has set in among people to hoard more and more for material satisfaction. And down the line, we have stopped working, we have also stopped thinking. We are unable to create new things, produce enough food and our personal growth has been stunted. Writer Arundhati Roy called it the ‘end of imagination’ and we run the high risk of slipping into this bottomless void.

Hon’ble Speaker SirBy consumerism, I mean dependency not only in goods and consumer items but intellectually, academically and emotionally too. May I highlight the commonplace knowledge that unless we free ourselves from the culture of consumerism, our development will not be complete, will not be wholesome. The ultimate goal of development and human endeavours is to secure fullest happiness for the people. We are aware that United States of America is the most powerful country in the world, but the American people are not the happiest. In fact in the happiness index, America has fared quite badly.

This is precisely the reason why I call upon my people to make Sikkim a producer State which I am happy to share once again with all my fellow Legislators. We should start our work in all seriousness to prepare our own mmanpower to fulfill domestic requirement in all trypes of jobs and business. For that we have to take a very serious initiatives in implementing of government policies & programs, skill development and capacity building program to their conclusion. The idea will to be create 100 percent people who will be highly skilled workers.

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Further, we also need to build our own intellectual capital to work for us. Under manpower planning, we have already executed host of programs. Our idea will also be to bring back the dignity of labour and enhance the per capita happiness of our people.

Foundation of strong society Hon’ble Speaker SirToday I think somewhere down the line, I would seek to stress on the strong socio-cultural bond that we share and strengthening family bond as the most fundamental institution of society. In fact, we need to further strengthen the traditional warmth we enjoyed in the Sikkimese society both with regard to human relationship within family and outside the family including relatioship between man and nature and various natural elements.

I want to reiterate in this august House that if society is weak, power, rewards and opportunities go to the few and majority of people will remain powerless and without opportunity. Realizing this fact, we have to build a society strong enough so that every individual can face the ups and down in life with calmness and dignity.

There are number of social menaces raising their ugly heads to weaken our socio-cultural fabric. Incidence of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and suicide cases must be dealt with firmly. As our society has opened up for outside interaction, it is imperative that we also stand on our ground more firmly.

While we seek to take our State onward on the path of accelerated growth and development, let us vow to initiative a more intimate and regular communication with our young generation and understand each other more regularly.

Inclusive growthHon’ble Speaker SirThe State Government will endeavour to achieve all the socio-economic targets through inclusive development. Services of all actors within and outside the government shall be roped in for comprehensive

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development of the State. The Union Finance Minister vowed to make development process more inclusive creating entitlements to provide basic amenities and opportunities for livelihood with Aam Admi as the focus. This, we know, is not news for us. This is only encourging that what we have done here as priority is being spelt out at the national level as well.

The State Government will continue to explore all avenues to generate additional revenue. The boost we have received through promotion of service sector like eco-tourism is very encouraging. The economic prospect that we see in all our hydro-power projects alone can transform Sikkim into self-reliant State. Therefore, in the interest of the people of Sikkim, we will have to wade through and move ahead against all odds that come our way. Hon’ble Members are aware that the Union Power Minister, Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde personally dedicated the 510MW Teesta V project to nation recently. Apart from earning state revenue, we are going to contribute considerably to bridge the demand supply gap in the country which itself is gearing up to generate 1 lakhs MW of electricity in the coming years.

Collective responsibility- panacea for all illsHon’ble Speaker SirThis is high time that we understand the realities of the 21st century world. People’s thinking, quality of life is different now compared to life fifty years ago. But the irony is that our administration, working system is as same as that existed fifty years back. We need to provide smart service to the people because people want effective, time-bound, scientific and qualitative service- quality drinking water, electricity, smooth road. We have to realize this fact and provide the same level of service to the people as per their expectation and improved standard.

The American President Theodore Roosevelt of the New Deal fame once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. Drawing recourse to the inspiring words, we deduce that responsibility and accountability in your deed and action is binding on every individual irrespective of social position and any other such

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consideration. That means, no effort is too little and no individual is less significant. We are gathered in this august House to pass annual budget. We are accountable for every single rupee spent, this is people’s money. All the implementing authorities must take into account the socio-economic realities into consideration so that the money spent in the interest of the people is well chanelized and meets the target that it envisages. I would call upon all agents of governance and all members of bureaucracy, civil society members, members of opposition in the State to contribute. With everything put in the right place, now everything lies in your hands.

After the dust is settled:Hon’ble Speaker SirThe people of Sikkim exercising their voting right has chosen the leader and the party once again to conduct the affairs of the State for the next five years. And the people are aware that we created congenial democratic atmosphere for all the leaders of the Opposition parties to go to the people and seek their mandate. And the people’s verdict is clear and loud. As it has turned out, we have always played our crucial role in the best interest of the people both within and outside this august Hall.

I would feel that the passion of the moment with all our Oppositon leaders may have died down and come to term with the reality on the ground and of the present. The race was on an even ground with the people of Sikkim as the ultimate power. As we have the privilege of conducting the business in this august House all on our own, I promise to the people that we will always uphold the democratic tradition to function within the spirit of our Constitution.

Let us together expand our perspective and argue about our collective future. We have to change our mind set with fixed interest angling for narrow advantage. Support us with genuine ideas knowing full well that all of us are imperfect. We have to accept the realities of life and in any case Society has the right to constraint individual freedom when it threatens to do harm to others. And I know that is what has happened now.

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Hon’ble Speaker Sir,Having presented the broad outline of our developmental profile, I shall now place before this august House the budget details. Our plan budget size which is Rs. 1045.00 crores for the year 2009 - 10 represents an increase of 22.7% over the allocation in the preceding year. In this budget, I have proposed a gross expenditure of Rs. 3556.04 crores of which Rs. 1461.85 crores is under Plan account which also comprises allocations under the auspices of the funding dispensation from the NEC, NLCPR including the CSS as well as provisions made on account of recoveries which are adjustable as reduction in expenditure later. The Non-Plan component in the Budget is Rs. 2094.19 crores.

Our fiscal reform measures will be tailored to be in coherence with the policy directions of the Government of India. We have to institute stringent policies, as we have been doing in the past, towards curtailing non- plan expenditure and in implementing austerity measures in Government expenditure. The urgency in this regard is imperative with the global economic recession which have adversely impacted the economies across nations. It is indeed heartening to note that our revenue generation efforts from both tax as well as non-tax revenue sources have been comfortable. The revenue sources has recorded an increase by 17.3% in 2008-09 as compared to the figures of Rs. 409.89 crores in the initial year of the XI th Plan. We will need to focus attention towards bringing about a much greater improvement in our revenue generation by widening our tax-base and examining options of imposing user charges while also ensuring maintenance of high standards of services in the delivery system to the community.

Hon’ble Speaker, in this budget being presented for the financial year 2009-10, I propose a gross receipt of Rs. 5655.72 crores corresponding to which I project an expenditure of Rs. 5657.55 crores including Public Account. The figures indicated as Gross Receipts comprises an amount of Rs. 177.20 crores from tax-revenue sources and Rs. 1172.29 crores from non-tax revenue sources. The above budget projection includes Rs. 79.07 crores from NEC funding, Rs. 109.67 crores from the dispensation under Non-Lapsable Pool of Resources, Rs. 251.47 crores

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under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Rs. 2124.74 crores under Public Account. The earmarked component in respect of schemes funded under the Additional Central Package Assistance is of the order of Rs. 366.08 crores.

Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I now proceed with the presentation of the budget for the financial year 2009-10 by highlighting the proposed projections in respect of the receipts and expenditure:-

(Rs. in crores)A. RECEIPTS

1. State’s Revenuei) Tax Revenue : 177.20ii) Non-Tax Revenue : 1172.29

2. Grants-in-Aid : 1266.043. State’s Share of Shareable Taxes : 373.70 4. Loans from Other Institutions : 419.28 5. Loans from Central Government : 1.20 6. Recoveries of Loans and Advances : 0.42 7. Public Accounts : 2245.59

TOTAL RECEIPTS: : 5655.72

B. DISBURSEMENTS1. State’s Annual Plan (excluding Non-Plan Gap of Rs 25.00 crores) : 1020.00

2. Centrally Sponsored Schemes : 251.473. Non-Plan Expenditure : 2072.60 4. Non-Lapsable Pool of Central Resources : 109.67 5. North Eastern Council : 79.07 6. Public Accounts : 2124.74

TOTAL DISBURSEMENT: : 5657.55

C. DEFICIT : 1.83

Opening Balance (2009-10) : 88.88

Closing Balance (2009-10) : 87.05

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Hon’ble Speaker SirToday Sikkim is a happy state and Sikkim’s position on all parameters is good but it is not enough for our total progress and prosperity. It has been said that good is the enemy of great. Therefore, it is required of us to think big and think something great. Big dreams only can lead you towards achieving something big and substantial. Under the condition, we hope to make Sikkim as the highest per capita income earning State in the country.

I also feel very proud to say that Sikkim is the peace producer in the country. Peace in today’s world is very vital, the world knows it. Today’s world is dying for peace. Surrounded by three international borders, we have certainly made sacrifices to maintain and promote peace in the region and by implication in the entire country. Communal harmony and a sense of brotherhood is being encouraged by the State Government to further the cause of peace, prosperity and overall happiness of the people.

Based on our own understanding, we have already laid our claim to Peace bonus of Rs. 1000 crores for the exemplary track record in maintaining and promoting peace in the State and the region. And more importantly, we feel that we need to be fully awarded and encouraged further to keep peace in the region. However, this has not come through as yet.

At this juncture, I am reminded of a gentle Chinese saying which reads, “A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song”- Through the many centuries and amidst the many acts of living and being lived, the people of Sikkim have always sang this song of peace, without waiting for any answer! As we together promote and continue to sing our song forever, the day is not far when the passers-by and co-travelers together would pause for the song and praise us till eternity.

Hon’ble Speaker SirI very heartily dedicate this 15th budget of my government to the beautiful and great people of Sikkim.

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Thank youJai SikkimJai Hind

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